Experience the Magic of Hội An Lantern Festival

Every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the ancient town of Hội An transforms into a magical wonderland of glowing lanterns. The streets come alive with thousands of colorful silk lanterns, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back centuries.

What is the Hội An Lantern Festival?

The Lantern Festival (Rằm Hội An) is a monthly celebration that honors Hội An’s rich cultural heritage. On these special nights, the entire ancient town dims its electric lights and relies solely on traditional lanterns, candles, and the moon for illumination.

The Tradition

This centuries-old tradition stems from the full moon celebrations that were integral to the town’s trading port history. When Hội An was a bustling international trading hub (15th-19th centuries), merchants from China, Japan, and throughout Southeast Asia would celebrate the full moon together.

What to Expect

🏮 Lantern-Lit Streets

As dusk falls, the ancient town gradually transforms. Shop owners hang hundreds of silk lanterns outside their establishments, creating a cascading river of light and color.

Best spots to see lanterns:

• Tran Phu Street - The main artery through the ancient town
• Japanese Covered Bridge - Iconic photo opportunity
• Thu Bon River waterfront - Floating lanterns create magical reflections
• An Hoi Pedestrian Bridge - Modern addition with spectacular views

🎭 Cultural Performances

Throughout the evening, you’ll encounter:

• Traditional music performances - Live Vietnamese folk music in various courtyards
• Bai Choi folk games - Traditional singing and gambling game (UNESCO intangible heritage)
• Lantern-making workshops - Learn to craft your own silk lantern
• Street food vendors - Sample local delicacies under lantern light

🪔 Floating Lantern Ceremony

One of the most touching moments is releasing a floating lantern (đèn hoa đăng) onto the Thu Bon River. This tradition allows visitors to:

1. Make a wish - Write your wish on the lantern
2. Release it - Gently place it on the river’s surface
3. Watch it drift - Let your wish float downstream with hundreds of others

Local belief: If your lantern reaches the sea without sinking, your wish will come true.

When to Visit

Festival Schedule

The Lantern Festival occurs every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar.

Upcoming dates in 2026:

• January 14 (lunar) = February 1 (solar)
• February 14 (lunar) = March 3 (solar)
• March 14 (lunar) = April 1 (solar)

Best Time

• Arrival: 6:00 PM - Beat the crowds and watch the transformation
• Peak: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Full festival atmosphere
• Peaceful: After 10:00 PM - Fewer tourists, more intimate

Practical Tips

Getting There

Hội An is located in Quảng Nam Province, Central Vietnam:

• From Da Nang: 30km (30-45 minutes by taxi/Grab)
• From airport: 45km (1 hour)

What to Bring

• ✅ Camera - But be respectful of ceremonies
• ✅ Cash - Many vendors don’t accept cards
• ✅ Comfortable shoes - You’ll be walking on cobblestones
• ✅ Light jacket - River breeze can be cool
• ❌ Plastic bags - Hội An is plastic-free!

Dress Code

Dress modestly and comfortably:

• Covered shoulders and knees for temple visits
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light, breathable fabrics

Perfect Pairing: Mót Hội An

After exploring the lantern-lit streets, refresh yourself with Mót Hội An’s signature herbal lemongrass lemon drink. Our traditional recipe using fresh lemongrass and local herbs is the perfect way to cool down and rehydrate.

Find us: Phố cổ Hội An, Quảng Nam Contact: +84 3569 00011

Photography Tips

Best Shots

1. Long exposure - Capture the river with floating lanterns (tripod recommended)
2. Portrait mode - People with lanterns create warm, glowing portraits
3. Wide angle - Capture the entire street ambiance
4. Reflections - Water puddles and river create magical mirror effects

Respect

• Ask permission before photographing ceremonies
• Don’t use flash during performances
• Be mindful of worshippers at temples

Local Etiquette

Do’s

• ✅ Remove shoes when entering temples
• ✅ Bargain politely at markets
• ✅ Try local foods
• ✅ Learn basic Vietnamese phrases

Don’ts

• ❌ Touch sacred objects without permission
• ❌ Block pathways for photos
• ❌ Litter (especially in the river)
• ❌ Haggle aggressively

Beyond the Festival

While in Hội An, explore:

• Japanese Covered Bridge - 400-year-old architectural marvel
• Tan Ky Old House - Preserved merchant house (200+ years)
• Assembly Halls - Chinese congregation temples
• Local markets - Fresh produce and street food
• Countryside bike tours - Rice paddies and water buffalo

Final Thoughts

The Hội An Lantern Festival is more than just pretty lights—it’s a living tradition that connects past and present. Whether you’re releasing a floating lantern, sipping Vietnamese coffee in a lantern-lit café, or simply wandering the atmospheric streets, you’re participating in a centuries-old celebration of community and culture.

Come experience the magic for yourself. And don’t forget to stop by Mót Hội An for an authentic taste of traditional Vietnamese herbal refreshment!

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Have you visited the Hội An Lantern Festival? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Plan your visit: Check the lunar calendar for the next festival date and book your accommodation early—Hội An fills up quickly during festival nights!

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Last updated: January 5, 2026 Photos courtesy of Mót Hội An and local photographers